Computing
Computing is changing the lives of everyone, especially children and young people. Through the teaching of Computing, we equip children to participate in a rapidly changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology.
Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners. Computing enables rapid access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of communities and cultures. Using Computing tools pupils can find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information.
Our Computing curriculum is designed to:
- allow children to learn about technology and it's uses
- develop computing skills
- keep themselves safe online and develop their understanding of e-safety
At Cromer Road, Computing is taught using a blocked curriculum approach of consecutive lessons within a themed project. This ensures children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills for the duration of each project. The Computing curriculum comprises of four strands:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Digital Literacy
- Online Safety
These strands come together to teach children how computer and computer systems work, how to analyse, build and design programs and how to find and manage digital information securely. Within these strands there are a mixture of plugged (using technology) and unplugged (no technology) activities for the children to participate in.
We use the National Centre for Computing Excellence (NCCE) scheme of work for our Computing curriculum. This includes lesson in:
- coding and debugging computer programs in order to understand how computers and their systems work
- online research, including evaluating sources for credibility
- word and data processing
- opportunities for creative expression through the creation of videos, websites and animations
- lessons in online safety and data protection
The implementation of the curriculum ensures a balanced coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Children will have experiences of all three strands in each year group but the subject knowledge becomes increasingly specific and in depth with more complex skills being taught. For example, children in Key Stage 1 learn what algorithms are which leads them to the design stage of programming in Key Stage Two, where they design, write and debug programs, explaining the thinking behind their algorithms.
Online safety is a crucial part of the Computing curriculum. As well as using the NCCE scheme of work we also use the Natterhub scheme of work which includes additional lessons focused solely on online safety. The progression within the scheme ensures that children build upon their knowledge and skills within their online safety education. The scheme covers the following areas which are differentiated for each year group:
- Balance it - sensible screen time and usage
- Chat it - safe communication online
- Feel it - cyberbullying
- Learn it - search engines
- Mind it - acting responsibly online
- Question it - reliable sources
- Secure it - keeping personal information safe
- Think it - recognising acceptable unacceptable behaviour
We also take part in Safer Internet Day each year where children take part in workshops and/or dedicated lessons linked to themes each year.
In order to meet our Computing objectives and include ambitious and engaging learning experiences, we use a variety of digital resources including:
- Chromebooks
- Digital cameras
- Ipads
- Beebots (simple robots)
- Microscopes
- Data Loggers
- MicroBits
Computing Overview and Key Vocabulary
